This article from Amy Chua has captured a lot of attention:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576059713528698754.html
Chua makes the controversial argument that a stricter parenting approach, which she labels "Chinese," produces "better" (read: more obviously accomplished in academics and the arts) children.
This blog is meant to be a space for the Austin College community to discuss issues related to China and the Chinese language. For author permissions, please write to Dr. Jennifer Thackston Johnson: jtj.at.ac –at- gmail.com. Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas.
Honestly, what Chinese parents lack in emotional consideration they make up for in strictness and pushiness that borders the extreme. I can remember early on being told what classes, schools, and careers I could take. I don't necessarily think that this kind of parenting produces "suprerior" Chinese children; however, fear at failing in life and then dissapointing one's parents is a huge catalyst for success amoung Chinese children.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe Chinese parents lack emotional consideration. They do consider the emotions of a child, but in a more long-term view. By coddling a child when they are young, they are essentially setting their child up to be shocked and hurt by the "real world" when they leave the shelter of their parents' soft words. On the other hand, Chinese parents are very abrasive towards their children initially in preparation for the reality that they will have to fight for themselves once they leave their parents' protection. There is also the point that self-esteem and self-confidence cannot be taught by others, only learned throught personal experiences, and what better way to learn to repect and love yourself than by realizing you CAN succeed at something when others have called you "dumb" and "useless".
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